Implementing the 2012 North American Waterfowl Management Plan revision ; Populations, habitat, and people /

Includes bibliographical references (pages 284-286).

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) has established a model for
wildlife conservation planning over the last 3 decades. Management at a continental scale, leveraged funding,
regional partnerships, and a strong science basis have been notable features. Periodic updates to the
NAWMP occurred since implementation in 1986; however, a fundamental revision was accomplished in
2012 after extensive stakeholder engagement. An explicit fundamental goal for waterfowl conservation
supporters was added in 2012, complementing existing goals for sustainable populations and sufficient
habitat found in previous updates. We present a synopsis of progress toward implementation of the 2012
NAWMP and challenge the waterfowl management community to continue with meaningful steps toward
achieving NAWMP goals. Adding goals and objectives for supporters increases potential relevance of
NAWMP; however, it also presents a level of complexity that was not entirely anticipated. Additionally, the
2012 NAWMP recognized that traditional support from waterfowl hunters alone will not be sufficient to
support waterfowl conservation in the future. Simultaneous consideration of multiple objectives, although
implicit before, now is a specific focus for habitat and harvest management affecting hunters and other users
of the waterfowl resource. The waterfowl management community is faced with revisiting objectives and
management actions related to harvest regulations, landscape priorities, habitat conservation, and public
engagement to garner broader support. These persistent management challenges are tangible and relevant
candidates for greater integration. Ultimately, the structures and processes supporting waterfowl
management also will need to be reconsidered.